Hard Habits to Break

Overcome these obstacles to keeping your resolutions

ONCE THE HOLIDAY HULLABALOO subsides, it's time for New Year's resolutions. But before you make any, consider these obstacles, which cause one-third of resolution-makers to give up on their goals before the end of January.

1. YOU AIM TOO HIGH. If you wake up every Jan. 1 and decide it's time to ditch all your unhealthy habits, you'll end up disappointed. "Changing habits takes baby steps," says Toby Smithson, R.D., an American Dietetic Association spokesperson. Whether you want to save more money, get portions under control or reduce stress in your life, pick one thing and work on it until it becomes natural. Then move on to something else. If you need to adjust your goal-for example, managing stress may be more realistic than reducing it-that's fine, too.

2. YOU MAKE EXCUSES. Forming good habits is all about making it easy. Can't quit smoking because your job is too crazy? Too busy to squeeze in exercise and massage? Snacking on chips instead of carrots because, well, they were there? It's time to take responsibility and make a plan! "A big key to success is planning ahead," Smithson says. Instead of making excuses, make a commitment to yourself. Set a quit date that will work. Make appointments for regular massage therapy and exercise just as you would for important meetings. And stock your kitchen with quick, healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables, reduced-fat popcorn and sugar-free gelatin with whipped topping, Smithson says.

3. YOU GIVE UP TOO QUICKLY. Success won't happen overnight and setbacks and slip-ups are likely. A study by Franklin-Covey found that only 40 percent of people had success with their resolutions on the first try. Set interim goals for yourself, so that you will see progress. It could take three weeks or three months to change your habit. The key is to keep trying.-By Jenn Woolson